Wondering what to serve with tacos? Find the best sides for this go-to comfort food in this epic side dish collection, from salads to Mexican classics.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week, there’s no denying that tacos are the all-time favorite, go-to comfort food.
They combine the flavor of seasoned meat, your favorite veggies, hot salsa, sour cream, and crumbly cheese with every bite!
When all these different flavors are wrapped in a tender tortilla, it makes for an excellent main dish.
The only problem is that choosing the perfect taco side dish can be confusing.
While tacos are awesome, they are hardly a complete meal.
So, to have a hearty meal, it is best to pair your favorite tacos with an equally yummy taco side dish.
However, finding the perfect side to complement tacos is not always as easy as you may have imagined.
But no worries–if you have run out of ideas for taco sides, scroll down and look at what to serve with tacos!
Refried beans and tacos are a classic combination.
The sweet, earthy, and creamy flavors of refried beans make it the perfect option to serve with tacos.
It can also double as a dip for tacos and chips, making it a popular choice for game nights and taco parties.
Now, this is where I gotta be legit honest with you about something.
More often than not, when I am going to have refried beans, I open up a can.
They are savory, and they are easy to heat up.
But nothing will ever beat the homemade version of refried beans.
2. Quinoa Salad
Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad or simply Quinoa Salad is perfect for summertime meals, especially when it comes to summer picnics and parties.
Made from a variety of vegetables, this crunchy and tangy salad will be an instant hit when served with tacos.
All you need to do is cook the quinoa and assemble the salad.
Mix olive, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper to whip up the dressing in just a few minutes!
The next time you make tacos, serve it with creamy sweet corn on the cob!
Slather grilled sweet corn with a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, cumin, and cream.
Sprinkle with cheese and serve with tacos for an exquisite meal.
There is something so special about street corn.
It is my favorite dish at a fair.
So when I have it at home, it is a special occasion.
Can you think of a better combination than cool cucumbers, ripe plum tomatoes, and creamy avocados?
Add in some lime juice and cilantro to add a tangy flavor, and VOILA…your tacos side dish is ready to be served.
If you want the salad to look as good as it tastes, it is important to dice the tomatoes properly.
Surprise your guests or treat yourself by serving Avocado Fries with your favorite tacos.
Coat freshly sliced avocados with panko and bake for around 10 minutes in the oven.
A crunchy, crispy, and scrumptious taco side dish is ready!
Pro tip: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the avocado fries before putting them in the oven.
This will help preserve a beautiful color while baking.
While Mexican Sweet Potatoes are hearty enough to be served as a main dish, they also make a great side dish option for tacos.
So, if you are still wondering what to serve with tacos, it’s time you try Mexican Sweet Potatoes.
You can mix them up with corn and black bean salsa or flavor them with garlic powder and roast them in the oven–either way, Mexican Sweet Potatoes will complement all types of tacos.
Not only are these mouthwatering, but they also look beautiful on the plate.
7. Caesar Salad
Did you know that your plain old Caesar salad can take Taco Tuesday to the next level?
You probably already know that salad is super-easy to make and extremely delicious.
Plus, many people like to take a personal spin on it, which is why you can find multiple recipes to make this versatile salad.
Plain rice is fine and dandy.
I love eating rice but let’s be honest, tacos deserve better.
Tacos deserve some jazz and pizza.
That is why cilantro lime rice is the best way to serve rice with tacos.
Now, when you make this recipe, sprinkle a bit of extra cilantro on top when you serve it.
Then squeeze fresh lime juice all over it.
9. Queso
Which do you believe came first, queso or taco?
The queso came first, and they invented the taco to dip in it.
Regardless, it may be illegal to have taco Tuesday without queso.
Making queso doesn’t have to be complicated.
You can make it in the microwave, the double boiler, or the slow cooker.
However, if you want to do it, we have the best queso recipe for you.
My tip for making the best queso is to use the best cheeses you can find at the grocery store.
I am a huge fan of Cacique Crema Mexicana.
It is so rich and creamy.
For years, I ignored it on the shelf, but now it is almost always in my fridge.
The best part about this dish is that you can make it up based on what you have in the house.
My primary tip for you is to mix up the colors.
What I mean is to use red bell peppers and green vegetables.
Don’t cut the veggies too small for this saute.
You want the veggies to be easily eaten with a fork.
11. Pico De Gallo
For years, the idea of making this at home intimidated me.
I don’t know why because it is perhaps one of the easiest Mexican side dishes on the planet.
Pico de gallo is a dry salsa.
This makes eating easy with chips or putting on top of your tacos.
A tip for making this recipe is to use fresh tomatoes.
You don’t want them to be mushy.
Also, be sure to completely deseed those tomatoes.
12. Mango Salsa
If you can get your hands on fresh mangoes, you MUST make this recipe and serve it with tacos today.
This recipe is best served at room temperature; you can make it in advance and store it in the fridge.
However, if you do that, set this out when you start making the tacos.
13. Taco Bell Sauce
This isn’t a side dish, but it does make tacos better.
I love the mild Taco bell sauce, and they did start selling it in stores.
However, it is often sold out.
This is why I decided to recreate this recipe myself.
It took me far longer to get this recipe right than it should have.
Now though, I will never again run out of this taco sauce.
The tomatillo salsa verde is made with onions, cilantro, fresh limes, and roasted tomatillos.
It is a tangy and decadent recipe that will enhance the flavor of any taco, plus it is fantastic for dipping.
This tangy and sweet Pineapple Salsa is perfect for parties, taco nights, or if you just need an appetizer or a salad topping.
The salsa is best paired with fish tacos.
The kiwi avocado salad is fresh, bright, and easy to make.
It is topped with sweet and tangy kiwi fruit dressing, and its fuzzy peel and green fruit make this a beauty on the table.
It is a side dish ideal for vegetarians.
17. Guacamole
Guacamole is a dish that has been popular in Mexico for decades, and its influence has spread worldwide.
There are several interesting versions of this side dish, but the original mixture of mashed avocados with spices, salt, vegetables, and chili.
It is spicy, tangy, and has hints of sharpness thanks to the addition of onions and tomatoes.
You can customize this recipe by increasing or decreasing the spiciness or creaminess.
Grilled Vegetables feature an assortment of colorful and fresh vegetables soaked in flavorful herbs and garlic marinade.
They are cooked on the grill until they are golden brown.
These vegetables pair well with tacos, steaks, or chicken.
Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only amazing side dishes but also considered comfort food.
They have a classic combination of vegetables, rice, and ground beef with melted cheese on top.
They can be paired with tacos, or you can serve them as a meal on their own, as they can also pass for a hearty lunch.
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20. Mexican Coleslaw
Coleslaw is an excellent salad at picnics, cookouts, and potlucks.
The side dish has a balance of sweet, creamy, tangy, and crunchy.
If you want more color on your coleslaw, add green and purple cabbages and carrots.
If you want a strong onion flavor, mix in a dash of onion powder or chopped red onions.
Cauliflower rice features Parmesan cheese and garlic butter sauce.
This is an incredible way of eating cauliflower.
The dish is buttery, cheesy, and garlicky.
22. Charro Beans
Charro Beans are a soup famous in Mexico.
It consists of pinto beans soaked in a broth full of flavors.
The flavors come from different types of chorizo, ham, beef franks, and bacon.
Savory, sweet, and perfectly delicious, these Roasted Sweet Potatoes are tossed with seasonings and olive oil before roasting until they have crispy edges.
It is tender inside and caramelized outside.
24. Corn Pudding
Corn Pudding is a Southern side dish often served at holiday events like Thanksgiving, but they also complement the flavors of tacos.
This dish is rich, sweet, soft, and fun to eat because it is almost dessert-like.
You can even serve this as an appetizer.
These Mexican Black Beans match so well with enchiladas, tacos, and southwest meals.
The beans are soaked in flavor thanks to the onions, spices, garlic, and cilantro.
26. Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño Poppers are a fun party food.
They are spicy and cheesy, and each bite is crunchy and tasty.
These poppers can be served as a side dish to tacos, an appetizer to grilled meat, as finger food at picnics, or as an afternoon snack.
Depending on your preference, you can make these poppers mild or extra spicy.
This Cucumber Salad is the ideal side dish for tacos.
Its lemony dressing is tangy and sweet, and the crunchy salad is fresh, delectable, and just bursting with flavor.
Bell Pepper Salad is a fresh side dish that is incredibly versatile.
Adding lemon juice and oranges brings the right amount of acidity that balances the pepper’s sweetness.
The green onions, red onions, and parsley, on the other hand, bring a touch of brightness.
This recipe is Mexican street corn turned into an enchilada.
The corn and shredded chicken are stuffed in a warm, soft tortilla and bathed in spicy and tangy salsa verde.
You can top these enchiladas with cheese and corn to entice them.
This Black Bean Soup takes advantage of canned black beans and uses spices and seasonings to give it more of a kick.
The lightly creamy soup tastes fresh thanks to the garlic, celery, and carrots.
A bit of vinegar and cumin add a Cuban twist to the dish.
31. Pozole Rojo
Authentic Mexican pozole is a comforting and hearty stew that consists of hominy and pork with a rich red chile broth.
You can top this dish with radishes, shredded cabbages, lime, cilantro, and avocados for more flavor and ingredients to munch on.
This dish is perfect for Mexican-themed nights, brunches, or when you’re craving Mexican flavors.
Another soup on the list, this Chicken Tortilla dish is zesty, rich, and very comforting with a spicy kick.
The soup is cooked with jalapeno peppers, garlic, butter, onions, corn, and tomato paste.
For a thicker and more filling soup, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, black beans, cumin, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce are also added.
This also makes for a great appetizer or a dish to serve on days when you need something to warm you up.
33. Taquitos
Take Mexican nights to a new level by serving tacos with these crispy Taquitos.
They are made with shredded beef, corn tortillas, and creamy ingredients like refried beans, cheese, and spiced chile jackfruit.
Serve them as party appetizers or snacks on your next game day or movie night.
34. Spanish Rice
Spanish Rice is a side dish that just feels right on Taco Tuesdays.
This type of rice is bursting with flavors your taste buds will enjoy.
For a unique take, you can add special seasonings like tomato sauce or chicken broth.
This recipe includes chili powder, garlic salt, cilantro, cumin, oregano, and lime juice.
You can also turn it into a spicy and cheesy casserole using cheese, sour cream, and chiles of your choice.
After mixing the rice with chiles and sour cream, put them in a baking dish and add as much cheese as you want.
If you want a meatier take, you can put chicken, steak, or taco meat into the mix.
When it comes to side dishes for tacos, they are often savory or tangy.
But some recipes offer a different kind of goodness.
This Jalapeno Corn Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and very indulgent.
This dish is filled with creamy cheddar and cream cheese for a rich and decadent impact.
It is suitable for barbecues, potlucks, Cinco de Mayo, holidays, and Taco Tuesdays.
The recipe is cheesy with a touch of heat that will surely satisfy you and your guests.
36. Taco Pasta Salad
Go all out on Taco Tuesdays by serving Taco Pasta Salad as a side dish to tacos.
This pasta salad features seasoned ground beef, Mexican seasonings, crunchy nacho cheese chips, and creamy dressing.
This side dish is loaded with classic taco ingredients, including shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
You can never go wrong with a taco on taco goodness!
The bottom line
Want a taco for breakfast?
Try egg, cheese, avocado, and chili filling.
Craving a snack?
Give mini beef and cheese tacos a try.
There are various types of this Mexican delight, and whatever you try–you just can’t go wrong with it.
You can even make your taco seasoning from scratch.
So, make tacos today and try these taco side dishes to enjoy tacos like never before!
50 Delectable Taco Recipes: Elevate Taco Tuesday 🌮
What To Serve With Tacos: 36 Best Sides 🌮
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Ingredients
- Refried Beans
- Quinoa Salad
- Mexican Street Corn
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Avocado Fries
- Mexican Sweet Potatoes
- Caesar Salad
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Queso
- Mexican Sauteed Vegetables
- Pico De Gallo
- Mango Salsa
- Taco Bell Sauce
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
- Pineapple Avocado Salsa
- Kiwi Avocado & Tomato Salad
- Guacamole
- Grilled Vegetables
- Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
- Charro Beans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Corn Pudding
- Mexican Black Beans
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Cucumber Salad With Lemony Dressing
- Bell Pepper Salad
- Street Corn Enchiladas
- Spicy Black Bean Soup
- Pozole Rojo
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Taquitos
- Spanish Rice
- Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Casserole
- Taco Pasta Salad
Instructions
- Find your favorite recipe from our What To Serve With Tacos list.
- Gather all the ingredients needed.
- Start making and make us proud!
now that’s what i call a taco
I love taco. I could eat them every week.
I am loving your ideas here and never heard of avocado fries, I will definitely have to try that one out.
@tisonlyme143
we love tacos thanks
I’m all about the Mexican Street corn! Yummy!
Everything looks so good and amazing!! Thanks for the recipe ideas!
Everything looks delicious
Such good ideas!
These are wonderful sides ! We always enjoy taco Tuesday so these will come in handy .
Oh yes!! I need to make that Mexican Street Corn! Yummy!
GOOD FOR YOU
Will definitely have to try the avocado fries!
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas. I shall try them.
mexican is my fav, not sure how I am married to an italian man. I could eat tacos and street corn everyday lol
Tacos are always a big hit in my household.